Man With Stomach Pain Visits Hospital, But is Shocked By What Doctors Found Inside Him

A man who visited the hospital to seek attention for his stomach pain was horrified when doctors discovered something he didn't expect inside his belly.

 Meat-lover who had a two-year stomach pain was horrified when doctors said a 6-metre long tapeworm had grown inside him.

Doctors told him it had been caused by his love of raw beef.

The patient had been complaining about vomiting, general weakness and a lack of appetite to various doctors over the past two years.
Medics kept treating him for stomach ache and chronic anemia.

During his latest visit at the Hubei University of Medicine, in Shiyan, China, doctors examining him found ‘nothing remarkable’, according to the New England Journal of Medicine.
 

However, when they looked at his stool under the microscope they found an egg containing a tapeworm.

They gave him catharsis medicine and two hours later, he discharged the six-metre worm.
 

The was diagnosed with beef tapeworm infection - a common occurrence when consuming raw or inadequately cooked beef.

8-year-old Girl Tests Positive to Lassa Fever in Gombe

The surge of Lassa fever in Nigeria seems to be waxing stronger as a kid in the northern part of Nigeria has been added to the lengthy list of infected Nigerians so far.
 

Gombe State Director of Public Health, Dr Joshua Abubakar has explained that an eight year old girl in Gombe from Lamban village of Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area, has tested positive to Lassa fever, according to DailyTrust.

Dr Abubakar, told reporters in Gombe that, the girl was brought to the specialist hospital from a private clinic, and that the sample sent to a laboratory in Lagos confirmed she has the fever.

He said the girl was currently at the isolation ward of the hospital and responding to treatment.
 

Abubakar said, the state rapid response team, were trying to trace the route of the sickness through the girl's family members. He said, there were seven suspected cases out of which five were confirmed negative, one positive and one still pending.

Panic as Lassa fever spreads

• Multi-billion naira garri industry under threat
• Disease could cause more than 5,000 deaths in Nigeria, S’Leone

NIGERIANS are getting more apprehensive as Lassa Fever Virus (LAFV) spreads across the country. Indicative of its rapid spread, the cases have risen from 76 to over 200, from 33 deaths to over 76 deaths, and from five states to over 17 within two weeks.
Already, the garri industry , estimated at billions of naira and which is based on processed cassava tubers that provide very important staple food item in Nigeria and other West African countries may be threatened.

Pharmacists under the aegis of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) have expressed satisfaction with government’s handling of the situation.
Investigation by The Guardian revealed that the virus is getting more fatal as the death rate has risen from about 40 per cent to 100 in some states.
It was leant that while Lassa fever is often mild, the disease could be severe with signs and symptoms similar to those of Ebola Virus Disease(EVD).

However, the antiviral drug ribavirin may help patients if taken early in the course of the disease. Infections in people mainly occur through exposure to infected rodents or their secretions, and less commonly, between people through direct contact with bodily fluids.
The threat to the garri industry is due to a message currently circulating widely on the social media platforms warning Nigerians against the consumption of garri. The message reads: “The problem is that most of our garri sellers buy their garri from bush markets.
This garri is often fried half dry and subsequently dried on polythene sheets on the tarred roads or compounds in the villages where rats feed on them and in the process defecate and urinate on the garri, which dries up with it. If used for eba, the virus may die because of the hot water used. But if soaked in normal water and consumed, the virus is directly ushered in.”

The Medical and Health Workers Union, Lagos State Council, has also discouraged the consumption of soaked garri as a preventive measure against Lassa fever.
The Chairman of the Union, Mr. Razak Adeofalade, was quoted to have said: “We are going to encourage members of the public to depart from the process of drinking garri. At this period, it is better that the cassava flour is utilised for eba, because of the use of hot water. We are waging total war and that is: ‘War against Rats,’ and that is what we are going to do to ensure we do not have another victim of Lassa Fever in the state.”
But cassava processors have debunked the rumoUr on garri stressing that the virus could hardly survive the production process. They, however, drew attention to the need for better hygienic practices at home.
According to them, it is untrue that garri is fried half-dry and subsequently dried on polythene sheets on tarred roads or compounds in the villages, maintaining that it is difficult for rats to feed on garri during production. They, however, harp on proper storage, stressing that, like other foods, rats can have access to garri, if not well stored.
They explained that the cyanide content in cassava makes it difficult for rats to feed on it during production process.
The Chairman of Cassava Growers Association, Pastor Tayo Adewumi, stressed that if not properly stored after production, rats could feed , urinate and defecate on it and by so doing people could come down with Lassa fever.
To him, it is unusual for garri processors to dry their product on the streets but that it is rather cassava flour that is usually dried in the sun.
He said: “It is very unusual for garri to be spread on the road. Garri is fried. But the fear is that when you expose it inside the house, without covering it, then rats can come and crawl over and defecate on it and introduce the virus to humans.”
He says that garri is not the only food that rats feed upon, as they feed on any food not properly stored.

A Glass Of Bitterleaf Juice Moderates Sugar Levels

Bitterleaf as the name implies is a bitter plant, whose leaf extracts, stems and barks are used for culinary, medical and curative purposes. When tested, the leaf is highly bitter but contains unlimited or countless benefits. Scientifically, it is known as Vernonia amygadalina.

The vegetable contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B1 and vitamin B12. The plant is a shrub, when fully matured can be up to twenty three feet, the leaf can be green or gray in colour with a rough texture, the branches of the shrub falls off easily due to its fragile nature. The plant bears small white flowers, the flowers loom in clusters during spring.

Also known as onugbo, shawaka and ewuro by Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba in Nigeria respectively, it is an indegineous African species which can be found growing wide along edges of agriculture field. It can be cooked, both as a leafy vegetable and also used as flavour in making soups commonly in Africa.
Bitterleaf should be taken fresh but most people tend to squeeze out the bitterness from the leaf before eating, with the aim of avoiding the bitterness, which can be described as eating mere chaff due to the medicinal value has been extracted. Squeezing bitterleaf, to bring out the liquid, is a better method of taking it, though it is bitter and may be difficult to take due to its taste, but once you have come to understand the health benefit of the leaf, you will always want to take it. Most people prefer adding some other sweeter juice to bitterleaf in order to make the taste sweet or moderate. However, bitter bitterleaf is taken, either by drinking the water squeezed out from the leaf, eating it dried or puting in soups, applying it on your skin or using the stem in place of chewing stick to wash your teeth, all can be of huge benefit to your health.

The distinctive fact about this leaf is that it can grow and flourish any where, under any temperature and its bitterness which starts from the leaf down to its roots which is very good for the body. Medical researchers has proven bitterleaf to contain medicinal properties, its uses ranges from antimicrobial to decorative. and also contains nutrients like proteins, fiber, carbohydrate, ascorbic acid, carotenoid, calcium, iron, phosphonus, potassium, sulphur, sodium, manganese, copper, zinc, magnesium and selenium e.t.c which can be of great benefit to the body.
According to Dr Sanusi Idowu of Prince and Princess Hospital, Ojo Road, Ajegunle, Lagos, “bitterleaf is a natural gift from God just like honey, with high medicinal properties and some of its benefits, are, its ability to aid up metabolism in order to help one loose weight as a result of nutrients like zinc, iron, fiber, carbohydrate contained in it. He added, “I advice my patients with dibetes and pile to take a glass of bitterleaf water once daily, better taken late at night or early in the morning.

He also explained that, applying bitterleaf juice to a part of your skin that is affected by rashes, eczema, ringworm or any other skin disease can be more effective than applying other things that can bring reaction to your body or make the affected part get worse instead of been cured.

Consumption of bitterleaf and its water daily can aid in reducing your high sugar level, making it moderate and also repair your pancreas, because of its natural bitterness which contain rich vitamins.
Most patients are advised to take glucose, but when it is taken in excess, it results, into hyperglacemia which is not healthy, also when your body lacks glucose, it is known as hypoglycemia which is not also healthy to the body . Drinking Liquid bitterleaf helps your glucose content to be moderate.

Regular intake of this vegetable helps to regulate the blood cholesterol level which is a risk factor for heart attack and stroke. also, the leaf can be consumed to treat fever, feverish condition, joint aches, different levels of intestinal complaints, stomach ache, as well as parasite induced disease like malaria. Taking bitterleaf juice, helps in nourishing the skin, building up your body, thus preventing harmful toxins from penetrating into your body. It serves as blood cleanser, and toner for the uterus.

Bittetleaf is also applied externally to protect against leech that transmits bilharziasis. Blood oozing from fresh wound can be stopped by squeezing fresh green bitter leaves and dropping it on the wound.

LASSA FEVER: FG targets 10,000 health centres, sets up committee

Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adeboye, yesterday, gave an assurance that Lassa Fever would be completely eradicated in the country this year.

The minister, who spoke to journalists after participating at the signing of updated Abuja commitment on polio eradication at the Presidential Villa, said the Federal Government had concluded arrangement to set up 10,000 primary health care centres across the 109 senatorial districts in the country to tackle the disease.
According to him, the first 5,000 centres would be established this year, starting with Fika community in Borno State, where the disease was first discovered.

He said: “We inaugurated a Lassa Fever eradication committee chaired by one of the foremost virologists in this country and we are committed to signing Lassa Fever’s obituary this year.
“What we want to do is put across some innovative funding mechanisms, ability to manage and put to use 10,000 primary health care centres across the country over the next two years.”

Meanwhile, government has inaugurated a Multi-sectoral Committee on Lassa Fever Eradication.
President of the Nigeria Academy of Science, Professor Oyewale Tomori, is Chairman of the 19-man committee, while the Director of the National Centre for Diseases Control, NCDC, Professor Abdusalami Nasis is the Secretary.

Inaugurating the committee in Abuja during the Emergency National Council of Health on the Lassa Fever Outbreak, Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, also announced the designation of six additional diagnostic centres for Lassa Fever, bringing the centres to 12.

The first six centres are University Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Borno State; Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano State; Irrua Specialist Hospital, Edo State; University Teaching Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State; Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, and NCDC laboratory in the FCT.
The additional six are to be situated in the highly-infected states of Bauchi, Niger, Taraba, Plateau, Nasarawa and Ondo.

Lassa Fever: Fear Grips OAUTH Workers as Doctor Bleeds to Death

Doctors, nurses, medical personnel and patients at the Emergency Unit of the hospital where the doctor died on Monday hurriedly fled the unit apparently for fear of contracting the highly contagious viral disease.

It was learnt that the doctor died after vomiting blood within the hospital premises.
A medical doctor in the hospital who preferred anonymity told THISDAY that the doctor had visited Ekiti State before arriving Ile-Ife on Monday.

But the authorities of OAUTHC debunked insinuations that the doctor died as a result of Lassa fever.
Speaking with THISDAY on phone yesterday, the Chairman, OAUTHC on Lassa Fever, Prof. Adedeji Onayade, confirmed the death of the doctor but said the fact that the doctor bled to death cannot be taken t, to mean that he  have contracted the deadly virus.

Onayade stressed that blood sample of the late doctor had been obtained and sent to the federal government for confirmation.
He noted that until the result of the blood sample was confirmed positive, it could not be said that the hospital recorded a case of Lassa fever.

However, in spite of the assurance, an atmosphere of fear enveloped the entire Obafemi Awolowo University community as soon as the news of the doctor’s demise hit the air.

Bird Flu Resurfaces In Plateau State

Poultry farmers in Plateau State are in for a tough time with the resurgence of avian influenza (bird Flu) which has affected about 10 farms, with over 20,000 birds destroyed and the farms placed under surveillance. 

The Director of Veterinary Services, Plateau State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Doris Bitrus, confirmed to Channels Television that the affected firms have been depopulated and decontaminated to forestall the spread of the disease to other farms in the state.
The fresh cases of the disease were first reported to the Ministry on January 8, 2016, which prompted the Ministry to embark on inspection of the affected farms, as well as sensitisation of poultry farmers on steps to take on noticing symptoms of the disease.
Some of the affected farms have been depopulated and fumigated by the Avian Influenza Control Unit of the Ministry, in order to reduce the risk of the disease spreading to other farms.
They also warned the farmers to adhere strictly to bio-safety and hygienic measures within and around their farms and markets.
One of the affected farms, where about 10,000 birds were destroyed, which has been in operation for over 30 years, is yet to recover from the devastating effects of the attack.
The Plateau State Poultry Association of Nigeria has urged farmers in the state to report any fresh case to the Ministry of Agriculture for tests and further assistance, to avoid the spreading of the disease.

Lassa Fever Spreads to 17 States...See the Number of Recorded Death Cases So Far

The surge of the spread of the Lassa fever propagated by a specie of rats has continued to gather momentum in Nigeria with several medical measures to cushion the epidemic.

The Federal Government said on Tuesday that Lassa fever has claimed 63 lives out of 212 suspected reported from 62 local government areas in affected states.

The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, confirmed this at the emergency National Council of Health meeting in Abuja on the outbreak of the disease.

Adewole listed the 17 affected states as Bauchi, Niger, Taraba, Kano, Rivers, Oyo, Ondo, Edo, Plateau, Gombe, Nasarawa, Lagos, Delta, Ekiti, Ebonyi, Zamfara and Kogi as well as the FCT. He said there is high level of denial and conspiracy across some states, adding that health managers should not deceive executives by the pretence and silence.

The Minister described the denial of Ebonyi to report five suspected cases and one death as conspiracy of denial. He said every state should consider itself at risk and put measures to contain and prevent the disease.

Adewole said the federal government would maintain high level of alert all year round to celebrate Lassa fever obituary next year. “With the resources available we will collectively eliminate the disease in Nigeria soon.

 

“We have special facilities around us and we have adequate human resource to address the challenge.

“We will strengthen the Primary Health Care Centres across the country to enhance the surveillance mechanism,’’ he said. The minister said 5,000 Primary Health Care centres would be activated before the end of 2016.

Lassa Fever Patient Escapes From A Hospital In Ebonyi State-Nigeria

A male patient who tested positive to the disease was reported to have escaped from a hospital in Ebonyi state to an unknown destination.

The minister of health, Prof Isaac Adewole expressed dismay concerning the situation stated that the patient could not have absconded on his own without the help of some of the healthcare givers in the hospital and has so far directed‎ that the patient must be looked for and treated immediately.

“He should be traced and taken back to the facility. He should be reassured that he will live if the treatment is done promptly as he could not have absconded on his own without the support of the health officers.

He lamented that so much is been expected from the Ebonyi state government as it has not done enough. He said there was no need for patients to be transferred to‎ Irrua in Edo state when the state has a functional healthcare center.

Dozens Feared Exposed As Sierra Leone Confirms New Ebola Death

A woman who died of Ebola this week in Sierra Leone potentially exposed dozens of other people to the disease, according to an aid agency report on Friday, raising the risk of more cases just as the deadliest outbreak on record appeared to be ending.

Why you must drink Carrot Juice And How to Make it

Carrot juice is a delicious and nutritious drink rich in beta carotene, vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K, and minerals like calcium, phosphorous, and potassium. Carrots are great for your skin, hair, and nails, as well as your liver function, so making carrot juice at home is a smart way to give your whole body a boost. Whether you're using a blender or food processor, or have a fancy juicer, this article will walk you through how to make your own carrot juice.

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 15-30 minutes
• Total time: 35-50 minutes

1-Clean your carrots.

Wash 2 pounds (1 kg) of carrots (about 8) under cold running water. Scrub them with a vegetable brush if you can. Use a knife to cut off the broader end, where the carrot either was or still is attached to the green, leafy part of the plant.

• If you are especially concerned about pesticides on the surface of your carrots, you should peel them. This does not significantly reduce the nutritional value of your juice
• You can also buy organically grown carrots, which cost more, but are pesticide-free

2-Cut the carrots into manageable pieces.

Even if you have a high-quality blender or food processor, you don’t want to risk damaging your equipment by throwing four whole carrots in there. Cut your carrots into manageable chunks before breaking them down into a juice. Any food processor or blender should work fine with 1 to 2 inch chunks of carrot.

3-Puree the carrots.

Place your cleaned, cut carrots in a blender or food processor. Process until finely chopped or mashed.

• Add a small amount of water if the carrots are not very moist, and need a little help breaking down.
• Note that a food processor will not puree the carrot as well as a blender will. It’s not that big of a problem using this method, but use a blender if you have one available

4-Mix with water.

You want to thin out the taste of pure carrot a little bit mixing the puree with water. This will both make it taste better, and also give you more juice. .

• Bring two cups of water to a boil.
• Mix the carrot puree and hot water in a large glass container.
• Stir to ensure an even spread of puree throughout the mixture.

5-Let the mixture steep.

 One of water’s most incredible properties is how well it takes on nutrients and flavors when it’s hot. Just like tea, the longer you allow your carrot puree to steep in hot water, the better the juice will taste and serve your body nutritionally. Allow it stand for 15 to 30 minutes.

6-Remove the pulp.

Using a hand strainer, strain the juice into a 2 quart (2 L) pitcher.

• Using the base of a glass or other blunt object, press the mash to extract as much juice as possible from the strainer.
• If you want to strain out even more pulp, pour the resulting juice through a jelly strainer.

7-Add orange juice.

 It's optional, but it's tasty!

8-Adjust the blend.

 Depending on how rich you like your carrot juice, add additional water to taste

9-Serve immediately.

Juice begins oxidizing and losing valuable nutrients immediately — especially if you’ve used a high-speed centrifugal juicer. You should try to drink your juice as soon after making it as possible, either at room temperature or over ice — however you prefer it. However, if you must store it, refrigerate it for no more than 24 hours.

Nigeria On Alert As Lassa Fever Rages On.....numbers to call when you see a suspected patient

Lassa fever does not respect any person,party.age,sex,profession.Join hands to eradicate this disease that knows no ethnic or religious boundaries before its too late.Protect your environment.



1 dead,22 on surveillance in Delta
9 dead in Edo Plateau
2 deaths,31 quarantined
Student nurse tests positive in Ekiti
1 dead in Rivers,215 monitored
3 dead,92 monitored in Lagos
2 dead.31 monitored in Ondo
other states affected are  
Bauchi, Nassarawa, Niger, Taraba, Kano, Gombe and Oyo

 If you see a patient suspected to have Lassa fever call  immediately the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Federal Ministry of Health using the following numbers: 08093810105, 08163215251, 08031571667and 08135050005.

for more information..www.masalifesaver.blogspot.com

Updates on Lassa fever outbreak in Nigeria

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has subsequently declared the outbreak a national epidemic.

Nigeria is currently battling an outbreak of Lassa Hemorrhagic Fever (LHF) and the disease has so far claimed 53 lives from various states around the country.

Stay up to date with latest developments relating to the Lassa fever outbreak

January 12, 2016:

Lassa fever death toll rises to 41

The Federal Government says Lassa fever has claimed 41 lives from 93 reported cases in 10 states of the country

January 14, 2016:

Death recorded in the federal capital territory

Doctor dies of Lassa fever in Rivers

A Rivers State medical doctor, Ehivai Njamala, has died from the viral disease, Lassa fever. The medical practitioner, who was said to be a resident at the Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH), in Port Harcourt died today, January 14.

January 16, 2016:

Medical Union warns Nigerians to stop drinking soaked “garri” due to Lassa fever outbreak

The Medical and Health Workers Union, Lagos State Council, on Saturday said that it would embark on public enlightenment to discourage consumption of soaked garri for now to prevent Lassa fever

January 18, 2016:

Nursing student tests positive to Lassa fever in Ekiti

Two patients die from Lassa fever in Plateau State

Delta records first case of Lassa fever

January 19, 2016:

NMA declares Lassa fever outbreak a national epidemic

 

Here are the 7 symptoms of Lassa fever you should know:

1. Nausea

2. Vomiting (bloody)

3. Diarrhea (bloody)

4. Stomach ache

5. Cough

6. Chest pain

7. Constipation

 

Lassa fever: Rivers establishes three centres

THE Rivers State Government said it had established three centres to contain the dreaded Lassa fever that broke out in the state in December 2015.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Theophilus Odagme, who disclosed this in Port Harcourt on Monday, explained that one person suspected to be affected by the disease had been admitted into one of the centres.

Odagme, who spoke through his Press Secretary, Mr. Paul Bazia, listed the three centres mapped out for the control and elimination of Lassa fever as Porp Johnson Health Centre, the VIP Ward at the Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital and a space inside the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.
The commissioner also disclosed that apart from the person that had been admitted into one of the centres, about 250 were currently under surveillance.

He added that the Emohua Disease Control Centre established in the state to fight Ebola Virus in 2013 had been vandalised by unknown persons.
“We have established three centres so far; they are Porp Johnson Health Centre in Port Harcourt and one person is being observed there. We also have the VIP Ward in BMSH and also a space in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

“We are currently working on the disease control centre in Emohua that was used during the Ebola Virus outbreak. The centre has been vandalised by some unknown persons,” Odagme said.
On other measures put in place to curb the spread of Lassa fever in the state, the commissioner said the state had been collaborating with the World Health Organisation and the Federal Government in the fight against the dreaded disease.

Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress has called on the state and federal governments to expedite action in containing the spread of the disease across the state and Nigeria.

Student nurse tests positive to Lassa fever in Ekiti

A patient on admission at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti, has tested positive to Lassa fever, the State Government announced on Monday.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Olurotimi Ojo, who broke the news in Ado Ekiti at the stakeholders meeting on Lassa fever, said the state’s medical team was working hard to save the patient, who has already been isolated at the hospital.

Ojo said the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Lawrence Ayodele, had confirmed to him that the patient was a student of the School of Nursing at the teaching hospital.
He revealed that the patient had been treated for malaria and typhoid fever with high profile antibiotics, but did not respond to treatment. Further laboratory investigation eventually came out positive to the disease.
“Over the weekend, the state had confirmed a case of Lassa fever that is being managed at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti. Treatment has commenced and the patient is stable,” Dr. Ojo said.
“Immediately the patient was diagnosed and confirmed, the management began the process of contact tracing. Once you have an index case, there is tendency of having a primary case and possible spread and this could be dangerous.

“Though, the doctors are handling the situation and monitoring the situation very closely . So, nobody has been quarantined after the contact tracing.”
Ojo added that Governor Ayodele Fayose had already prepared an isolated ward within the premises of Oba Adejugbe General Hospital, Ado Ekiti, even before the outbreak of the disease in the State.
“However, the situation is being curtailed with the efforts from the State government in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and World Health Organisation, through the office of the National Centre for Disease Control,” he added.

“The governor is also embarking on public and town-to-town sensitisation about Lassa fever through the airing of jingles on the state broadcasting corporation and distribution of IEC materials to the people.”
He advised the people of the state to take precautionary measures and refrain from taking risk that can lead to the contact or spread of the disease.
by  Kamarudeen Ogundele, Ado Ekiti

Lassa fever: 3 dead, over 200 hospitalised in Rivers

The Rivers state government has confirmed that three persons have died, while more than 200 others are currently under observation, following the outbreak of Lassa fever in the state.

 

Dr Theophilus Odagme, Commissioner for Health in Rivers, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
He said that up to 50 people who had contacts with the first reported two cases could be out of observation because they had not shown symptoms of the disease.

The commissioner said that the medical doctor, who died after contracting the disease, had been buried after consultations with the family.

He said the doctor died at a hospital outside Port Harcourt and that contacts he had hours before his death were among those under observation.
According to the commissioner, government has set up a special centre to manage new cases of the disease, noting that no new case has been reported.
Odagme also said that the State Government was working with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Federal Ministry of Health to tackle the disease.
“We have been working with WHO and the Federal Ministry of Health. They are with us in ensuring that their supports come on board.
They are with us.

He advised people with symptoms of the disease to report to the nearest health centre for test and treatment.

Bird flu: Ebonyi, Plateau confirm bird flu outbreak.Government to shut unregistered poultry farms

The Federal Government has said it will shut unregistered poultry farms, following a fresh outbreak of the Avian Influenza (AI).
Director of Veterinary Services and Pest Control Services in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Dr. Egejuru Eze said this at a sensitisation campaign for poultry farmers in Kuje and Gwagwalada councils, Abuja, at the weekend.
She said the move would  check unwholesome poultry products and encourage tracking of poultry farms whenever there is disease outbreak.
Dr. Eze said a situation where individuals arbitrarily set up poultry farms without licence would not be condoned.
She said poultry farmers should register at the nearest government veterinary office so that they could benefit from government support.
According to her, the Federal Government paid about N700 million as compensation to poultry farmers during the last bird flu outbreak, with N500 million still outstanding.
She said one should be proactive and engage in bio-security, instead of waiting for compensation and spreading the virus.
Dr. Gidado Muhammed of the Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services described bird flu as a highly infectious and contagious disease.
He said the virus affects different species of birds, such as chicken, ducks, guinea fowls and others, which lives naturally in the wild.
Muhammed added that it could be transmitted from infected domestic and wild migratory birds.
He identified bio-security as a major means to safeguard the farms and stop spread of the disease.
“Some of the measures to be taken is to keep poultry closed, screen buildings on the farm to prevent entry of rats, birds and reptiles that can carry the virus into the building, separation of poultry from other animals and from other poultry species, no standing bodies of water on the farm as this can attract wild birds that may be carriers.
“Controlling the movement of people, animals, equipment and vehicles in and out of and within the farm. The farm should be fenced with a bowl containing disinfectant at the gate and entrance of each pen etc,” he advised.
Ebonyi and Plateau states have confirmed an outbreak of bird flu
The virus was detected in a poultry farm at Ugwuachara area of Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr. Orji Uchenna, confirmed the detection of the virus after a visit to the farm for an on-the-spot assessment.
According to him, the attention of his ministry was drawn to the development following massive death of the birds.
He said officials of the state veterinary services took a sample of the carcass to a research institute in Jos, where it was confirmed that the birds died from the H5NI strains of the Avian Influenza.
Orji directed the  Veterinary Department to isolate the farm and take inventory of poultry and ancillary farms as well as sustain enlightenment on the influenza.
Also, the Plateau Commissioner for Agriculture, Mrs. Linda Barau, said four farms were affected, with thousands of birds isolated.
Barau said efforts were being intensified to ensure that the disease did not spread to other farms.
She said farmers were advised to maintain a higher sense of bio-security to avoid spread of the disease.
The commissioner noted that she directed the director of Veterinary Services to liaise with farmers. Mrs. Barau advised them not to panic as the situation was under control.

Lassa fever:Doctors Warn Nigerians Against Drinking Garri

Medical personnel in Nigeria have warned the public against soaking garri which is like a fast-food among Nigerians as it poses a grave health risk.

 The Medical and Health Workers Union, Lagos State council, on Saturday, said that it would embark on public enlightenment to discourage drinking of gari for now to prevent Lassa fever, according to the Nigerian Tribune.

Mr Razak Adeofalade, Chairman of the union, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. According to him, the house rats that caused Lassa fever are mostly in contact with Nigerian most staple food, gari, a cassava product.

"We are going to encourage members of the public to stop drinking gari at this moment, it is better that the cassava flour is utilised for 'eba’ because of the use of hot water.

"We are waging total war and that is: 'War against Rats,’ and that is what we are going to do to ensure we do not have another victim of Lassa fever in the state.

"We will also be telling them to ensure that their fruits and raw vegetables are properly washed if they must be consumed raw and cook to the appropriate temperature.

"The whole essence is to enlighten our people because education carries a lot of weight in this whole activity," he said.

Adeofalade added that the union was also calling for adaptation of best practices for food storage to prevent epidemic. According to him, the union is determined to wage war against rats in the state and public enlightenment on fighting epidemic.

Lassa fever: Ahmadiyya Hospital at Ojokoro-Ijaiye in Lagos under surveillance

The Ahmadiyya Hospital at Ojokoro-Ijaiye, Lagos has been put under surveillance by the state government after it became clear that ‎the Lassa fever index case in Lagos Ahmed Fasasi was first treated there. 

‎The Lagos state government said the facility which a private hospital will be sealed until further notice.

More than 40 fatality have been confirmed nationwide in the latest outbreak of the deadly  fever.

Also, the 15 in-patients at the Ahmadiyya Hospital as well as 25 health workers are to be monitored for 21 days, the Lagos state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris told newsmen on Saturday.

However, the Chief Medical Director of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, (LUTH), Prof Chris Bode has assured that all hands are on deck to ensure that the disease was contained.

 Speaking on the first case in Lagos in the latest outbreak confirmed on Friday, the LUTH boss said, "We have learned a lot of lessons from the previous Ebola outbreak, and we are just layering what is to be done on what has been learned before. The state government did not disband the various response teams so they have been reactivated along with the toll-free lines."

Fasasi, a student of the Ahmadu Bello is said to have travelled to Lagos from Zaria, Kaduna state and took ill. He was first taken to the private hospital before he was referred to LUTH where Lassa fever was confirmed on Friday.

“This outbreak of Lassa fever will be quickly contained like we did Ebola. If we can beat Ebola, we can beat Lassa fever. We have a plan of action rolled out to treat anybody that comes down with Lassa fever. This disease is of importance to us at LUTH because such diseases often have fatalities in the hospital among the hospital staff and medical personnel," Prof Bode said.

“The National Centres for Disease Control, NCDC, Federal Ministry of Health and others are highly responsive to the situation and in provision of the logistics. There is a lot of collaboration with the state, and all the General Hospitals are well prepared, sensitised, and on red alert, and if any hospital is overwhelmed there will be others to go to.”

PLEASE BE AT ALERT---PREVENT LASSA FEVER NOW,STOP THE SPREAD

Lassa fever may claim many more victims especially in February and March (dry season) when the disease vector, multimammate rats procreate heavily, thus increasing the chances of infecting foodstuffs.

1-Bushes and gutters around the house must be cleared to make the surrounding unattractive to rats. Food, cooking utensils

2-Do everything possible to keep rodents out of your house

3-Be careful of what you buy and eat from stores,shops and market places

4-Proetect your foods and foodstuffs in your house from rats

5-Food, cooking utensils and drinking water must be kept in rat proof containers

6-Avoid using rats as food sources

7-Close contact of individuals with any illness involving fever that does not respond to treatment for malaria should be avoided.

8-Watch out for anybody with the symptom and alert health care workers near you immediately

 

 

Do something today to stop and prevent the spread of this disease..

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Rest in Peace Dr Living Jamala who lost his life as a result of Lassa Fever infection.

Dr Living Jamala of Braithwaite Specialist Memorial Hospital, Port Harcourt Nigeria lost his life as a result of Lassa Fever infection.
May his gentle soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,through the mercy of God rest in Perfect Peace..Amen

Lassa fever kills one in Abuja, surfaces in Lagos Nigeria

A suspected Lassa fever patient died on Friday evening at the State House Clinic in Abuja after bleeding from various parts of his body.

The young man, whose name could not be immediately ascertained was said to have been sick for about two weeks, before he was rushed down from Kaduna to the clinic where he gave up the ghost.

It was learnt that the patient was bleeding from the mouth and ears before he died. His remains had been deposited at the SHC morgue.

It was gathered that the tragic incident threw the medical personnel into panic as they watched helplessly as the patient died.

Sources said that the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, was about having a meeting with senior officials of the ministry when he was informed about the incident.

The minister and his official were said to have rushed down to the clinic where they met the confused SHC medical personnel and saw the dead patient.

“The minister directed that blood specimen should be obtained from the patient, which was taken to the Reference Laboratory at Asokoro. So, the ministry is expecting the result of the test which would be ready tomorrow (today). We are not sure it is Lassa fever, but the manner in which the young man died and other symptoms indicated that he might have contracted Lassa fever,” a source explained.

It was gathered that Adewole later had a meeting with health officials on the Lassa fever outbreak in the country and the measures that could be taken to curb it.

A senior ministry official said the disease may still claim many more victims especially in February and March (dry season) when the disease vector, multimammate rats procreate heavily, thus increasing the chances of infecting foodstuffs.

It was discovered that the ministry had distributed Glabarine injections and tablets to states having outbreaks of the disease.

The minister had announced the death of the first Lassa fever patient at the National Hospital, Abuja last Wednesday.

Meanwhile, a case of Lassa fever has been confirmed at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi Araba, Lagos

A report by an online newspaper, The Cable, cited the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, as saying that the case involves a 25-year-old student of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Adewole was said to have added that the patient was responding to treatment.

It will be recalled that the disease was said to have been detected in Abuja and 11 other states.

A patient died in Abuja on Thursday bringing to 43, the number of fatalities from the disease across the country.

Health Benefits of Carrots to Humanity

Nutritional Value of Carrots

Most of the benefits of carrots can be attributed to their beta carotene and fiber content. This root vegetable is also a good source of antioxidant agents. Furthermore, carrots are rich in vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, vitamin B8, pantothenic acid, folate, potassium, iron, copper, and manganese. Now, let’s find out how this impressive list of nutrients and organic compounds actually affects human health.

Health Benefits of Carrots 

Prevention of Heart Disease: In a study meant to reveal the therapeutic value of carrots, researchers at the Wolfson Gastrointestinal Laboratory in Edinburgh, Scotland revealed that cholesterol level drops by an average of 11 percent if seven ounces of raw carrots per day are taken for thee weeks.High cholesterol is a major factor for heart disease. Since regular consumption of carrots reduces cholesterol levels, it is a good idea to consume a healthy dose of carrots, in order to prevent heart-related problems.
A group of Swedish scientists discovered that these root vegetables can reduce the chances of having a heart attack. A study conducted at the Mario Negri Institute of Pharmacological Research in Italy found that those who ate more carrots had 1/3 as high a risk of heart attack as compared with those who ate less carrots.

Blood Pressure: Next time you start getting riled up about something and your blood begins to boil, eat a carrot! Carrots are rich sources of potassium, which is a vasodilator and can relax the tension in your blood vessels and arteries, thereby increasing blood flow and circulation, boosting organ function throughout the body, and reducing the stress on the cardiovascular system. High blood pressure is also directly linked to atherosclerosis, strokes, and heart attacks, so this is yet another heart-healthy aspect of carrots! The coumarin found in carrots also has been linked to reducing hypertension and protecting your heart health!

Immune Booster:  Carrots contain a number of antiseptic and antibacterial abilities that make it ideal for boosting the immune system. Not only that, carrots are a rich source of vitamin C, which stimulates the activity of white blood cells and is one of the most important elements in the human immune system.

Digestion: Carrots, like most vegetables, have significant amounts of dietary fiber in those orange roots, and fiber is one of the most important elements in maintaining good digestive health. Fiber adds bulk to stool, which helps it to pass smoothly through the digestive tract, and it also stimulates peristaltic motion and the secretion of gastric juices. Altogether, this reduces the severity of conditions like constipation, and protects your colon and stomach from various serious illnesses, including colorectal cancer. Fiber also boosts heart health by helping to eliminate excess LDL cholesterol from the walls of arteries and blood vessels.

Prevents Cancer: Beta-carotene consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of several cancers, notably lung cancer. British researchers discovered that increasing beta-carotene consumption from 1.7 to 2.7 milligrams per day reduced lung cancer risk by more than 40 percent. The average carrot contains about three milligrams of beta-carotene.
In a separate study, researchers found that eating fiber-rich carrots reduce the risk of colon cancer by as much as 24 percent. Another study shows that women who ate raw carrots were five to eight times less likely to develop breast cancer than women who did not eat carrots. Further research into the application of both carrots and beta-carotene in relation to other forms of cancer is ongoing.

Macular Degeneration: This is a common eye disease of the elderly that impairs the function of the macula. Research has found that people who ate the most amount of beta-carotene had a forty percent lower risk of macular degeneration compared with those who consumed the least. Beta-carotene can also split itself via an enzymatic reaction to form provitamin A, which is often associated with antioxidant capacity in relation to vision. Therefore, carrots are an all-around vision booster.

Improves Eyesight: Deficiency of vitamin A can cause some difficulty seeing in dim light. Since carrots are rich in vitamin A, it is good for improving eyesight and preventing conditions like night blindness from developing as we age.

Oral Health: The organic compounds in carrots all by themselves are good for mineral antioxidants, but carrots also stimulate the gums and induce excess saliva. Saliva is an alkaline substance and combats the bacteria and foreign bodies that can often result in cavities, halitosis, and other oral health risks.

Stroke: Eating a carrot every day reduces the risk of stroke by 68%. Many studies have strengthened the belief in the “carrot effect” on the brain. Studies conducted on stroke patients revealed that those with highest levels of beta carotene had the highest survival rate.

Diabetes: Carrots are good for blood sugar regulation due to the presence of carotenoids in this delicious vegetable. Carotenoids inversely affect insulin resistance and thus lower blood sugar, thereby helping diabetic patients live a normal, healthy life. They also regulate the amount of insulin and glucose that is being used and metabolized by the body, providing a more even and healthy fluctuation for diabetic patients.
Carrots have antiseptic qualities and can therefore be used as laxatives, vermicides and as a remedy for liver conditions. Carrot oil is good for dry skin because it makes the skin softer, smoother and firmer. Furthermore, carrot juice improves stomach and gastrointestinal health.
Thus, carrots, as raw fruits, juice or in cooked form, are always a good choice for your health!

Panic Among Residents As Plateau State Government Of Nigeria Announces Fresh Cases Of Bird Flu

The Plateau state government has confirmed the re-emergence of the highly dreaded bird flu disease within the state.

The Plateau Government on Friday announced a fresh outbreak of Avian Influenza, saying that the bird flu had so far affected six farms causing panic among residents of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the announcement is contained in a statement signed by the state’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Doris Bitrus.

According to him, the fresh cases of bird flu were reported to the ministry on January 8.

“Six farms have been confirmed positive of the disease; the farms host a total of 10,000 birds,” the statement said.

It said that government had taken proactive measures to contain and control the disease, so as to arrest its spread to other farms.
 

The statement advised poultry farmers and live bird marketers to step up bio-safety and hygienic measures within and around their farms and markets.

The government also advised members of the public to avoid the sale, slaughter and consumption of sick birds, adding that chicken products should be properly cooked before consumption.

It, however, advised Plateau residents to remain calm and report any disease suspected to be avian influenza to the control project office of the Veterinary Hospital, Jos.

Lassa fever Nigerian Government begins vaccine trial

Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, has said a trial vaccine for Lassa fever is currently being processed and will be administered if found to be effective and safe for human consumption.

Adewole said this in a presentation before the Senate Committee on Health in Abuja on Thursday.

The minister explained that the current outbreak began in a village in Niger State sometime in August 2015, but patients were not treated properly due to the ignorance of the villagers.

He explained that the villagers had a superstitious belief that the deaths were as a result of the construction of a new market.

According to him, they believed that each time a new market is built, some people must die for it to prosper and that if anybody talks about the deaths he or she would also die.

Adewale said it was when the son of the village headmaster died that health authorities in Minna were notified and investigations led to the discovery of the outbreak.

He pointed out that by the time data was collected in December 2015, 17 people were already dead.

The minister said, “We call it a candidate vaccine, we have to run it through trial and it will take some time. Hopefully, we will do it this year; if we consider it to be effective and safe, we will put it to use. For now, the vaccine is actually prevention.

“The disease is endemic; endemic means that it is there but occasionally it flares up. I call it a national embarrassment because it has been with us since 2012. What has happened under the current administration is that we are not hiding it; we want to tackle it head-on

“Last year alone, we recorded 441 cases of Lassa fever. What we missed is the situation in Niger and before we got to know, we had lost 17 people unfortunately.”

Meanwhile, The PUNCH learnt on Thursday that the Federal Government had started tracing 35 people believed to have had contact with the patient who died of Lassa fever at the National Hospital, Abuja.

Russia announces new Ebola drug

Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, has claimed his country has developed a vaccine for the Ebola virus

Mr Putin did not give any name for the vaccine, nor did he say how it worked, who was developing it or give details of any trials.

He said “corresponding tests” had revealed the new drug to be “more effective” than any of the many trial-led since the outbreak of the deadly haemorrhagic fever two years ago.

“We have good news,” Mr Putin was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti news agency. “We have registered a drug against Ebola, which after the corresponding tests has been shown to be highly effective, more effective than the drugs used worldwide up to now.”

Experts working on other vaccine trials poured scorn on his claim, saying the Russian drug was in the early stages of testing. They described his claim of superiority as “mind-boggling”.

Panic As Lassa Fever Kills Medical Doctor in Rivers State-Nigeria

The outrageous spread of Lassa Fever in Nigeria has taken a new and unprecedented turn as a medical doctor in Rivers becomes its latest victim.

Furo Green, the Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA in Rivers state, has disclosed that Doctor Living Jamala of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department in the Braithwait Specialist Hospital has died after having contact with a patient of Lassa Fever leading to and fear among residents.

He said the authorities of BMH and NMA as well as Rivers state Ministry were working with experts from the World Health Organisation, WHO, to curb the menace.

Accordng to Daily Post, the Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology department in BMH, Woke Alexander revealed that the victim who infected the deceased Doctor was a pregnant woman.

Alexander said Doctor Jamala like every other Doctor, was making efforts to save the life of the pregnant woman and her baby.

He said, “When the pregnant woman came in, the late Doctor Jamala had to rush to assist to take her through a possible caesarian session. He broke all protocols of payment and other hitches just to make sure he delivers the baby for the woman.

“That department deals with body fluids. The patient never presented any sign of Lassa fever during her ante-natal. Few days after that period, the Doctor started having fever and showing other signs of malaria. We never knew it was Lassa fever until the day he started vomiting blood.

“We tested him for Lassa fever and he came out positive. We then rushed him to the Lasse Fever special centre but it was too late. By the time we got there, Dr. Jamala died.”

The NMA appealed to residents of Rivers state to respond to Lassa fever the same way they tackled the Ebola virus by maintaining strict hygiene.